THE Blessing of the Boats service at Lyme Regis was one of the best attended for many years.

Around 300 people – visitors and residents – joined in the service outside the RNLI lifeboat station on Sunday.

They paid their respects to those who have lost their lives at sea and paid tribute to those who go to sea for work or pleasure.

Clergy from three churches in the town conducted the service with hymns supported by Lyme Regis Town Band.

Lifeboat crew members lined the slipway as wreaths were blessed and finally taken out to sea aboard the RNLI lifeboat, Pearl of Dorset.